Book Cover for Urban Fantasy Adventure

  • Status: Closed
  • Prize: $190
  • Entries Received: 24
  • Winner: Pridddde

Contest Brief

I am an author. I'm looking for an illustration/design for a book cover. The genre is Christian young adult urban fantasy.

Recommended Skills

Employer Feedback

“This designer's work was outstanding and very professional. She was also very quick. I definitely plan to use her again!”

Profile image hammolaw, United States.

Public Clarification Board

  • Morpx
    Morpx
    • 11 years ago

    sooo close :) And I thought i got no stars, at all :) What a shame ...

    • 11 years ago
  • hammolaw
    Contest Holder
    • 11 years ago

    Hey everyone. I wanted to take the time once again to thank everyone for submitting. I know a lot of you put in a lot of hard work and, as a contest, only the winner gets paid for their effort. Many of you, in my opinion, are absolutely talented enough to make a good living doing this and I hope you are able to do just that. I've gotten great input from the poll I asked my Facebook friends to participate in. #2 was the winner by a nose. #30 also scored very highly. There were two issues for me with #30 : first, when looking at the full size view, I just don't care for the character's face; second, one of my friends commented that it has a dystopian future feel to it and I agree. . .that feel just doesn't fit the story, even though it's a great looking cover. I tried to be really detailed in the brief but there are always going to be different interpretations.

    • 11 years ago
    1. hammolaw
      Contest Holder
      • 11 years ago

      #2 has always been a clear frontrunner to me and it's been a clear favorite with almost anyone I've asked. I'm going to go ahead and award that design - but again I thank you all for participating. There are a number of you that I intend to keep in mind for potential future projects if things go well. This has been a great experience for me!

      • 11 years ago
    2. manuelberja
      manuelberja
      • 11 years ago

      thanks for feedback, having 5 star for my work made me glad already. i fixed it actually and im aware of her not proportioned arm. but i didn't make it in time,i can still use it as portfolio content anyway. willing to work for future projects, thanks.

      • 11 years ago
  • xcaped
    xcaped
    • 11 years ago

    #28 great one.

    • 11 years ago
  • Patedoz
    Patedoz
    • 11 years ago

    Hi! Any feedback on #24 would be appreciated hammolaw.. Thanks! :)

    • 11 years ago
    1. hammolaw
      Contest Holder
      • 11 years ago

      Sure. In my opinion, this one didn't work as well as some others for a couple of reasons. First, I get an "uncanny valley" vibe. It has a realistic, CGI look but actually looked more wooden to me than many of the more hand-drawn styles. A lot of the problem for me (and this is the same sort of thing when you watch movies like The Polar Express that Zemeckis did a few years ago) have to do with the eyes. They look so lifeless to me, and in particular they just seemed like they were staring off into space and not at the flames. The city in the background looks great but the hands also seem sort of unnatural - like they were pasted in at weird angles. I hope that makes sense! Thanks for submitting.

      • 11 years ago
  • RichySampson
    RichySampson
    • 11 years ago

    Two stars seems incredibly harsh...?

    • 11 years ago
    1. hammolaw
      Contest Holder
      • 11 years ago

      I'm sorry. #25 doesn't seem to be at quite the same professional level as many of the other entries to me.

      • 11 years ago
  • UBcREST
    UBcREST
    • 11 years ago

    I painted another one at night....... i mean whole night and the entry is closed :(

    • 11 years ago
  • hammolaw
    Contest Holder
    • 11 years ago

    This is not getting any easier! Just posted a poll to Facebook that will hopefully help me make a final decision. (BTW, wylfi, "Chronicles" is still spelled incorrectly on #21 .)

    • 11 years ago
  • RichySampson
    RichySampson
    • 11 years ago

    Uploaded mine. Thanks for your time.

    • 11 years ago
  • Morpx
    Morpx
    • 11 years ago

    Here is my proposition. I know the text is not so great but if You choose this piece I can modify it as You wish ;) Now I'am waiting for Your rating... And feel free to visit my profile, I will take some commissions with pleasure. /Pawel

    • 11 years ago
    1. hammolaw
      Contest Holder
      • 11 years ago

      Thanks for the entry. I actually like the text. . .I think it fits the feel of your design. I wish I had the $ to buy multiple covers and spread the love around: one for the Kindle book, a different one for Nook, a different one for the paperback - but that's only because I like so many of these. Without doubt, there are a lot of dramatically different ways to approach any project and still be distinct but just as good. I'm feeling the comic book vibe on this - it looks full of action - but the main character here doesn't resonate with me as much as some of the others. I don't know that I can fully articulate it but there's so little time left anyway. I think the facial expression is difficult to nail. She certainly looks astonished but more alarmed than I would prefer. I'm still liking #2 better. Maybe it's 'cause I saw it first but the fact that others have chosen it too strengthens that impulse. Thanks for submitting, though. There is so much talent here.

      • 11 years ago
    2. Morpx
      Morpx
      • 11 years ago

      So, is there a point to spend more time on my cover? Or should I carry on? You seem convinced to #2 ... I will do a quick change, and try to nail it... It's a shame i saw this contest just yesterday. If there were more time we could work out an more interesting illustration with some storytelling behind it... /Pawel - #19

      • 11 years ago
  • juls5
    juls5
    • 11 years ago

    thank you for the stars on nr. #18 ..what do you need for 5 stars? :)

    • 11 years ago
    1. hammolaw
      Contest Holder
      • 11 years ago

      Wylfi, I also like #16 a great deal. It's not what I would consider perfect: there is a spelling error (easily fixed, I'm sure) and the flames are not red as required. Otherwise, I wish the same group of teens that looked over the entries for me Sunday morning could have seen this. It has a classic book cover feel, I think: the style is absolutely solid. There are at least four or five entries that I would be very happy with as the final cover with only minor changes, and yours is absolutely among them. At the end of the day, based on the feedback I've received from the teens I've been able to ask, I just still think #2 is the best choice here.

      • 11 years ago
    2. wylfi
      wylfi
      • 11 years ago

      Thank you very much for your comment! I tried to correct the deficiencies #21

      • 11 years ago
  • RichySampson
    RichySampson
    • 11 years ago

    I will post mine up tonight, although it sounds like 2 is the winner. I just need to add the text and then it'll be ready. It's more in line with the comic book style, so might be something a little different from what's already been posted.

    • 11 years ago
    1. hammolaw
      Contest Holder
      • 11 years ago

      I'm eager to see it. If it's that close to being finished, there's no reason not to post it.

      • 11 years ago
  • hammolaw
    Contest Holder
    • 11 years ago

    Hey everyone. I have two questions. First: does a five star rating of your illustration in this concept help you as a designer in the future? Does that rating reflect on you or your profile here on Freelancer, or is it just a subjective measure in this contest of how well it fits with what I'm looking for? I would be more generous in giving stars to all high quality entries that fit the requirements, even if they aren't right for me, if it has some further impact for you as designers.

    Also, I'm being honest when I say that there a lot I like a great deal but not specifically for this project. Does anyone know if I will still have access to these results long after the contest is closed, in six months or five years in the future? I could see myself approaching some of you for different projects in the future that are more in line with your talent; I don't know if I should keep my own notes or if Freelancer will still have this available for me to see. Does anyone know?

    • 11 years ago
    1. juls5
      juls5
      • 11 years ago

      the stars does not affect our freelancer profile, only if you reject our designs will affect our ranking/ xp.
      The stars are just to show if you like our designs and if they are fit for your demands.

      You will have access to our entries for 1 year i think. i don`t know after that what happends after this period, but you can add us to your contact (the "follow button" on our profile- and invite us to bid on your project/ contest when ever you want) .
      In the end i suggest you should keep your own notes as Freelancer changes every week and it may affect your data.

      • 11 years ago
  • hammolaw
    Contest Holder
    • 11 years ago

    Anyway, I had the opportunity this morning to show virtually all your covers to some Christian teenage girls to see what they would be most likely to grab off a bookshelf or catch their eye on Amazon. They all liked multiple entries but the favorite was actually unanimous (and it was one of my early favorites too): #2 . I promised to keep the contest open until the end and that's what I intend to do, but certainly if all the teens I asked like #2 the best, that's the clear frontrunner. I promise to look at everything else come in (and of course I understand if nothing else does - you've gotta do what makes the most sense for you).

    • 11 years ago
    1. Pridddde
      Pridddde
      • 11 years ago

      I am still present hammolaw! And I'm really honored that my entry is getting so much praise! Thank you very much!

      • 11 years ago
    2. peshan
      peshan
      • 11 years ago

      Sory for the typing errors and the capitals, hope i've typed it right this time in #17

      • 11 years ago
  • hammolaw
    Contest Holder
    • 11 years ago

    Hey all. Back from out of town. I know it was a crappy time to be gone in terms of the contest and I apologize for that, and also that I didn't have as much time to get on and check this stuff out as I thought. I've looked at all the new entries and I do have to say that I am very impressed, in general, by the degree of talent in this competition. Some of the ones I've liked best (that I haven't already mentioned) are #14 , #6 and #9 (I actually really like #10 too except I think she looks kinda crosseyed).

    • 11 years ago
  • ushuaia
    ushuaia
    • 11 years ago

    Good day! I submitted an entry today.

    I made one with borders and without borders. If I'm chosen for the cover, I'll send in the high resolution of your choice.

    Oh, and if you have any suggestions or comments, please do ^__^

    • 11 years ago
    1. ushuaia
      ushuaia
      • 11 years ago

      Oh, mine's entry number 14 ^__^ thanks!

      • 11 years ago
  • xcaped
    xcaped
    • 11 years ago

    #3 is my sketch. If you like I will proceed further, detailing, coloring, etc.

    • 11 years ago
    1. hammolaw
      Contest Holder
      • 11 years ago

      Hey Xcaped, my first thought on #3 is how artsy, moody and serious it looks, but I know a lot of that is just because it's still in black and white (except for the touch of red). Even attempting to imagine it in full cover, however, I've got to be honest and say I don't care for the direction you're going as much as some of the others. There's quite a bit I like about the sketch (the texture, for instance: it's like a painting or something) but I just don't think it's the best choice for this book. It just looks too serious and somber to me. Seriously, thanks for submitting, however. I'll have to keep you in mind if I have a project in he future that better complements your style.

      • 11 years ago
    2. xcaped
      xcaped
      • 11 years ago

      too bad you didn't gave me the change to finish. At least I tried to catch all details you requested, for example left hand in flames and right hand holding the left.

      • 11 years ago
  • hammolaw
    Contest Holder
    • 11 years ago

    Priddde,
    I'm going to post this here and on the public message board so everyone can benefit from my comments - but I think this ( #2 ) is a gorgeous cover. It's a little more manga/anime than I was anticipating, but I really like it. I think it's eye catching, professional and attractive. The use of color is great and all in all I think it's a very strong contender. Obviously, other people have been working too and so I'm excited to see what other artists come up with, but I'm a big fan of this cover. My only comment is that the expression on the girl's face seems more worried than amazed or astonished; it may be that wonder or amazement is harder to capture (I'm not an artist) and the truth is that if I ended up choosing this cover as is at the end of the contest, I would be very happy with it.

    • 11 years ago
    1. RichySampson
      RichySampson
      • 11 years ago

      Are you saying you don't want to see anymore?

      • 11 years ago
    2. RichySampson
      RichySampson
      • 11 years ago

      Sorry, just re-read that. You're saying you do want more, but this is a real strong contender. Apologies...

      • 11 years ago
  • akash12910
    akash12910
    • 11 years ago

    i am working

    • 11 years ago
  • UBcREST
    UBcREST
    • 11 years ago

    hi i posted my thumbnail sketch hope u like it....if yes should i go for it or should i need to generate a better idea??

    • 11 years ago
    1. hammolaw
      Contest Holder
      • 11 years ago

      Hey - just a quick response before I go out the door to tell you that I like the sketch and would love to see more. Thanks!

      • 11 years ago
  • hammolaw
    Contest Holder
    • 11 years ago

    Hey all. Just wanted to let everyone know that I'll be traveling a bit this weekend (leaving today, getting back Sunday). I should still have some Internet access (if not quite as much) so I'll try to catch up and give feedback as much as I can - but if I don't get back to you super fast, that's why. There's a lot of talent out there!

    • 11 years ago
  • artinearth
    artinearth
    • 11 years ago

    Hi Brad! Please don't close the contest before it ends, I'm working on your cover!
    Thanks!

    • 11 years ago
    1. hammolaw
      Contest Holder
      • 11 years ago

      Don't worry - I won't!

      • 11 years ago
    2. artinearth
      artinearth
      • 11 years ago

      Great, thanks!

      • 11 years ago
  • manuelberja
    manuelberja
    • 11 years ago

    wait for my entry. i'll make it real good.

    • 11 years ago
    1. hammolaw
      Contest Holder
      • 11 years ago

      I look forward to it.

      • 11 years ago
  • hammolaw
    Contest Holder
    • 11 years ago

    Peshan, there are things I like about #4 and some things that I'm not crazy about. The flames look good and (although this may sound incidental) so does the left arm/hand and the jeans especially. I have two problems, however, that are making me not love it. The first is that the low cut of the shirt and the hint of cleavage seems to go against what I was looking for, emphasizing modesty. The second is related: the character just looks much older than 13 to me. I think the cleavage contributes to that but especially in the face. It just looks much more "woman" than girl to me. Thanks for submitting!

    • 11 years ago
    1. peshan
      peshan
      • 11 years ago

      Thanks for the feedback, i'm drawing another variant in the moment, so i'll submit it later or tomorrow, thank you again

      • 11 years ago
  • Dayna2
    Dayna2
    • 11 years ago

    Don't seal the contest, this is an illustration work each true artist have there own style the reason most of these people ask for a sealed contest is they use images ripped from the web, and artists here turn in the rippers for stolen work it is bad for business as contest holders cannot use the work they paid for, true artist use these contest to showcase there work, save your money, guaranteeing the contest will insure more and better work to many artist here will no longer bother with a contest that is not too many hours needed to do an illustration with no guarantee of someone getting paid.

    • 11 years ago
    1. Dayna2
      Dayna2
      • 11 years ago

      Your an artist Richy your ideas and imagination is endless, a copy will never hold the same attention as the original and how easy to see when an idea is copied as these are numbered in order of one, two, three.

      • 11 years ago
    2. RichySampson
      RichySampson
      • 11 years ago

      True, I didn't mean a direct copy as such, but more the idea. For example, if I decided to turn the flames coming out of her hand into a cross (I'm not gonna do that by the way - just an example) then someone could copy that idea cos it looked cool and then draw it in their own style. If they are a competent artist then they could produce something of merit with my idea in it. The contest holder couldn't give a chuff whether someone has copied he just picks his favourite. I dunno, it's not a big deal anyway!

      • 11 years ago
  • xcaped
    xcaped
    • 11 years ago

    I'm working on this cover too, I have a nice sketch! Even the hours spent on this will be in vain(contest not even quaranteed) I will give it a try, I will submit the a sketch soon.

    • 11 years ago
    1. hammolaw
      Contest Holder
      • 11 years ago

      I'd love to see the sketch. I'm sorry about the lack of guarantee but I just don't feel comfortable with that at this point. One of the big draws to posting a contest for me is the money back guarantee for employers and guaranteeing the contest takes that away. I understand how the guarantee would make this more attractive. If you want to know I'm serious, here's my writer's page on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Brad-Francis/e/B007DN9G8Y/ref=ntt_athr_dp_pel_pop_1
      You can see that I am an author. You can see that I did a cover myself for the short story I've published - which probably shows why I'm looking for a professional to do the cover for this novel. I hope this contest goes well enough that I get a design that will work. If so, I'll absolutely pick the best and pay for it; I just don't want to have to pay for something I can't use.
      Since you already have a sketch, upload it and I'll give you the best feedback I can, so you know whether to put more time into it or not.

      • 11 years ago

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